Arise, O Sleeper, Arise

Arise, O sleeper, and see that your lady is flown—
for fainting heart's arrows have pierced,
and wounds require fuller healing
than fear can afford.

Arise, don your armor, take up your sword and shield.
Mount the trusty steed, and ride to your lady's defense!

Though mountains and gorges stand in between
and thickets and walls circle 'round,
fear not the seeming obstacles
for love that abounds
will surmount the surrounds
and claim what is his, e'en so.

See not the hag's face that appears to you now,
as you open the door to the chamber.
For the enemy has shrouded the lady's sweet glow
with cloying covering of shuddering fear.
Remember the smile that illumined the night,
the joyful reception at end of the day,
the hopeful dreams at dawn's early light,
and hasten, o hasten to make your way
to her side, pledging your name, your life's very breath
to be all that Love says that He is.

~E~ 8.21.06